Stopping Unwanted Robocalls

BUFFALO, N.Y. - We've heard complaints from viewers that they're getting robocalls to their cell phones, even after adding their number to the Federal "Do Not Call" Registry.

A spokesman for the Federal Trade Commission said it is illegal for companies to call your cell phone with recorded messages without your written permission, even if you already have a relationship with that company. Legitimate businesses don't often break the law, so these calls are usually scams.

The scammers often manipulate caller ID information to hide their identity, making you think the call is coming from your bank or some other legitimate company.

Consumers do have options; if you haven't already done it, add your name to the "Do Not Call" registry. If you're still getting calls after 31 days, you can file a complaint using another link on the same page. It will help enforcement officials track down who's breaking the law.

You can also contact the customer service department of your wireless service provider. A spokesman for Verizon Wireless says the company takes unwanted robocalls very seriously.

"We use every tool in our legal arsenal to get them to stop," said John O'Malley, a spokesman for Verizon Wireless. "We get injunctions against them, we've gone so far as to sue many of them and get them put right out of business because it's something we don't think our customers need to be subject to."

If you have problems with repeated calls from the same number, there are apps that claim to block certain numbers from your phone.

Experts also say to safeguard your cell phone number, and avoid posting it on public websites, like Craigslist.